November 29th| 10:00 – 23:00 | General admission free
Christmas is coming early to Vamvakou, Laconia! The village is putting on its festive attire and invites young and old alike to a day full of play, creativity, surprises, and plenty of music! The Vamvakou Santa School returns this year, opening its doors once again with experiences for the whole family: Carousel, Bungee Trampoline, Roller Skating, Christmas storytelling nook, creative workshops, balloon creations, treasure hunt, gifts, and a surprise appearance by Santa Claus himself!
The square will be filled with magical stardust and unexpected twists! “Escapees” from the Secret Chocolate Factory stage their own Sweet Revolution, while a “wind-up doll in a music box” enchants the audience with her nostalgic fairytale movement. And since no Christmas celebration is complete without cinnamon and cloves, chef Gavriil Nikolaidis, together with the Vamvakou Women’s Cooperative “Vamvakia”, will share secrets in a fragrant melomakarono (Greek Christmas cookie) workshop. Don’t worry… everyone gets to taste!
Just before the Christmas lights transform the entire village into a magical destination, the Choir of the Music School of Sparta will fill the air with carols and festive melodies, preparing us for the highlight of the evening: Panos Mouzourakis takes the stage for a concert full of hits and humor! And the Christmas magic doesn’t stop there—the X-mas Party will keep the celebration going late into the night with Nikos G on the decks.
Vamvakou lights up with sparkle, warmth, and smiles!
The Vamvakou Santa School and festive events are part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative, made possible through the exclusive support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
Detailed program:
10:00–18:00 Vamvakou Santa School: Carousel – Bungee Trampoline – Roller Skating – Vamvakou Santa Home – Letters to Santa Claus – Christmas Corners of Creativity & Play | School
*Carousel – Bungee Trampoline – Roller Skating: admission fee applies, first-come-first-served basis.
*Roller skating demonstrations will be performed by Georgia Papazoglou and Panos Tzirakis.
11:00–12:00 Christmas Storytelling Nook: Fairy tale reading by the Laconia Amateur Theatre Group (ETHOL) | School
10:00–14:00 XMAS Creative Workshop & Treasure Hunt: Young visitors become Santa’s helpers with face painting and balloon creations and help him find the ornaments hidden by mischievous elves. | Sofia Mouchterou – Maria Anagnostopoulou | Guest appearance: Santa Claus himself | Vamvakou Santa School
14:00–17:00 Sweet Revolution: The fame of Christmas in Vamvakou reached the depths of the Secret Chocolate Factory! The production managers, their assistant, and a cotton candy machine escaped to witness the lighting of the tree up close. Will you help them cover their tracks? | Interactive performance | Flora Kalomoiris, Afroditi Vervenioti, Vasiliki Angelakou | Square
14:00–17:00 A Wind-Up Doll in a Music Box: Have you ever seen a life-sized wind-up doll? A ballerina in her music box stands still like a statue, dances, and interacts with the audience. Is she real? | Interactive performance | Erifylli Dafermou | Square
15:00–17:00 Melomakarono Workshop with Gavriil Nikolaidis: The beloved chef, alongside the Women’s Cooperative of Vamvakou “Vamvakia”, fills the village with the irresistible aroma of this traditional Greek Christmas treat, using pure and traditional ingredients | Square
17:15–18:00 Festive Welcome with the Music School of Sparta: ‘Chamber music ensemble ”Musica da Camera” and vocal ensemble ”Melirrysma” | Square
18:00–18:15 The Magic of Christmas “Lights Up” Vamvakou with Vamvakou Revival | Greeting & unveiling of Christmas decorations | Square
18:15–20:15 Panos Mouzourakis Live Concert | Music | Square
20:30–23:00 X-Mas Party: The celebration continues in a festive setting with heaters to keep everyone warm, winter cocktails, and drinks by Vanara! On the decks, Nikos G with unique music selections | Music | Square
Flavors & Beverages: Visitors of Vamvakou on November 29 will have the chance to enjoy winter delicacies and treats that will warm hearts and smiles: local products and sweet delights from the Vamvakou Women’s Cooperative “Vamvakia”, crafted with love and care. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and aromatic beverages for young and old who wish to sweeten the moment. Savory bites for those craving something hearty. Winter drinks and festive cocktails by Vanara, adding an extra touch of Christmas magic!
*The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited to people under 18 years old.
With the support of the greek Ministry of Culture
Supporter: Dimello (G. Kamitzakos – official representative for Laconia)
